Delight Flower Farm Fall Updates: Farm School+Exciting New Land

Delight Flower Farm Fall Updates: Farm School+Exciting New Land

We are doing it. We’re taking it to the next level. We are leaping! Leaps are scary, they imply a big jump, which mean threat of free fall and unexpected landings, but in its common context, leaps are taken in faith for a brighter outcome.

We’re expanding the farm. We estimate by about 4 times in size and productivity. We are moving ground, out to a property on Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery, a goat farm and cheeserie in north Urbana. We are expanding to offer wedding services. We are planting bulbs for spring, which will extend our start of season in 2016. We’re growing in little ways too, like establishing a logo, making merch and compiling a email list. We think the future looks quite bright for Delight Flower Farm. More land=more flowers=more business=more flower justice. [That’s the phrase we’re unofficially coining around the farm. Flower justice is implying, we grow flowers that are good for the planet and good for you.]

Growing in all these ways is not effortless, or so we are all noticing. More land means more projects. Planning has to start now. These days we’ve been sourcing and planting spring bulbs for some early season flowers next year, scoping out fencing for the new plot, preparing for pest management [we may have voles…], and we’ve gone back to school. That’s right, school! The three of us have enrolled in a 5 month farmer training course, through The Land Connection.

It is going to help us a ton with the growth and business management side of things. We go to class for a whole Saturday every couple of weeks and hear from regional farmers about their trials and tribulations. In addition, we have plenty of readings and assignments on farm management, business planning, and organization. It’s very stimulating and enjoyable, and so fun to be back in a learning environment. But the adjustment is real and takes focus, new sacrifices, and organization. That’s ok–this is what it takes to transform and take steps towards where we want to go. It’s nice to be reminded that we can keep growing even when the flowers are dormant.

This is fantastic news. We need CSA’s and all organic farmers so much. We need to care for the soil and push back against chemicals and industrialized agriculture. I am so excited to hear of your expansion and farm education.
Best wishes to all of you. Let me know if there is anything I can do to promote your business.